“The Mojave Desert” he replied when asked where he had acquired Verna Mae, a Cardigan Corgi/German Shepherd mix whose sweet white face evidenced her age of 11 years. Someone had dumped the entire litter and Verna Mae was the only survivor. The kind gentleman elaborated that he took her to the vet where she was rehydrated and they had been together since she was a tiny puppy only a few weeks old.

As our conversation progressed, the kind gentleman who saved Verna Mae told of being diagnosed with lymphoma and receiving the news he had only six months to live … unless … he was willing to have a bone marrow transplant. He didn’t want to do that, but his doctor persuaded him. After the surgery, the kind gentleman was required to convalesce in a rehab facility. There, he was attached to a machine on wheels requiring him to pull it along by the pole whenever he was out of bed. Five weeks in, he fell while walking. The machine landed on his back breaking it, necessitating an even longer recovery and having to learn to walk again.

During his recovery time, he spoke of opening his windows and incorporating whatever he heard within him, the sound of birds singing became a part of him.

Then the doctor told him the bone marrow transplant didn’t work – he now had only four months to live. He moved from Cincinnati to Birmingham for a better climate, which necessitated a new oncologist. The Birmingham oncologist told the kind gentleman about a new clinical trial, which affects the autoimmune system. The oncologist was very blunt in explaining there were no assurances it would work … there were no assurances at all. The kind gentleman agreed to the treatment (offered to a mere 15 people out of the entire United States) and, two years after his nightmare began, he is now cancer free.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.